Donald C. Crowder, 67, of Bellefonte, died Thursday August 21, 2015, at his residence.
He was born December 21, 1947, in Norfolk VA, a son of the late John Everett and Virginia Catherine Woodson Crowder.
In June 1972, he married Nancy Ellen Griffith who survives at home.
Mr. Crowder served in the U. S. Army during the Viet Nam War. He was also stationed in Germany. Following his active duty assignments he served in the U. S. Army Reserves for over thirty years earning the rank of Major. He advanced to the State College Unit Commander for many years.
In addition to his military work service, he worked at Applied Research Lab at Penn State University in underwater acoustics research, and served as an associate professor of Electrical Engineering. He earned his Bachelor and Masters Degrees from Penn State University and had completed a significant amount of work toward his PhD.
Mr. Crowder was a member of the Professional Engineers Society and the NRA where he won several competition marksmanship awards. A consummate Patriot he enjoyed politics, and was always concerned about he country he served so well and so long. An avid reader of Science Fiction, and Scientific Journals, he was always learning more about science and had a deep interest in computers. One of his other hobbies was working on cars and motorcycles especially BMW cycles
Surviving him in addition to his wife is one son Donald Crowder Jr. of Denver, CO; two sisters, Catherine Sykes of Atlanta, GA and Margaret Schlegel of Chesapeake, VA; one brother, John Everett Crowder III (Leslie) of Chesapeake, VA, a niece who was like a daughter to him, Donna Jean Lochbum and many other nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister Linda Crowder.
Friends will be received from 9 – 10 am Monday, August 24, 2015, at Mark D. Heintzelman Funeral and Cremation Service P. C. 1034 Benner Pike, State College, PA. The funeral will follow immediately at 10 at the funeral home. Entombment will be in the Chapel Mausoleum at Centre County Memorial Park, State College.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to World Vision, P. O. Box 9716 Federal Way, VA 98063.
A guest book can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com.